In every way I have shown you that by hard work of that sort we must help the weak, and keep in mind the words of the Lord Jesus who himself said, ‘It is more blessed to give than to receive.” Acts 20:35 NABRE
Chapter twenty of Acts is about Paul and his team traveling and working together, this includes Luke the author of Acts, who has captured much of Paul’s travels in Acts. Paul thinks he will be imprisoned or put to death in Jerusalem so he is saying farewell to the elders of the community in Ephesus. Paul tells then he worked hard for the community and did not fail in revealing the entire plan of God to the community. Paul warns that there could be difficulties ahead with false teachers coming to separate the community or even some raising up from within the community undermining their faith and unity. He exhorts them to be watchful and commends them to the safety of God and the power of the word. Paul declares he never cheated them and he always worked to earn his own way, never feeding on fledgling communities for financial support. In fact from his work the extra he acquired helped those in need, the weak. Quoting Jesus words he tells them, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This quote cannot be found anywhere in the gospels so Paul must have heard it from others who remember Jesus making the declaration. When Paul finished speaking to them he prayed for them and was accompanied to the ship for journey to Jerusalem.
Paul’s example of doing all you can for God, without regrets when it is time to leave is powerful. Paul did all he could and with every opportunity he bolstered others in the word of God and God’s plan. It must be so refreshing to know you did all you could to please God, declaring all is done well with no regrets. Can we say the same?
Do you do all you can for God? Do you have regrets?
Quoting Jesus words he tells them, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” This quote cannot be found anywhere in the gospels so Paul must have heard it from others who remember Jesus making the declaration. Click To Tweet#bible #godisgreat #jesus #christianity#dailybibleverse @youversion#BeAnEncourager #work #give #Acts#everybodyalways #god #jesuschrist#jesussaves #godisgood #dailydevotion#biblestudy #scripture #bibleverse#verseoftheday #pray #prayer #goodnews#loveeachother #godisgreat #bocaraton#youversion #everythingalways